Some superb moths and a trip to Old Winchester Hill.

Saturday 27th August 2022.

The cracking view from Old Winchester Hill looking north.

As per usual, I picked up a certain Mr Fisher complete with his usual hangover, to take a trip this morning to Old Winchester Hill. But, over a nice cup of coffee, I checked out his moth box and came across a few nice surprises among the many moths he had there this morning (for a change!). 

Above, the Copper Underwing moth at Andy's moth trap. Below, the micro moth Celypha lucanana.

A staggering 53 moths of 23 species were found by Andy’s moth box and included my first Copper Underwing of the year. I ruled out Svensson’s Copper Underwing by checking out the underside of the wing and even took a photo to prove it, but going by the moths ‘palps’ is no full proof way in identifying this tricky species. There was also my second Single-dotted Wave, Currant Pug, Mullein Wave and Cypress Pug present. Among the micro moths, my second Celypha lacunana was on the window sill outside Andy’s conservatory.

Above, my second Cypress Pug of the year and below, the micro moth Agriphila tristella.

The following moths were present this morning:

• 1 Copper Underwing (NFY)
• 4 Small Dusty Wave
• 1 Currant Pug
• 4 Double-striped Pug
• 4 Garden Carpet
• 1 Yellow-barred Brindle
• 1 Willow Beauty
• 1 Single-dotted Wave
• 1 Cypress Pug
• 1 Flounced Rustic
• 1 Lesser Broad-bordered Yellow Underwing
• 6 Square-spot Rustic
• 6 Vine’s Rustic
• 1 Setaceous Hebrew Character
• 1 Pale Mottled Willow
• 1 Mullein Wave
• 1 Common Wainscot
• 1 Celypha lacunana
• 9 Agriphila tristella
• 3 Clepsis consimilana
• 2 Light Brown Apple Moth
• 1 Common Plume
• 1 Anania coronata

Above, while checking out the moths, I had to put up with this grim looking creature!!! Below, Andy's moth box and trays.

The weather this morning was just perfect, though a tad warm for Andy who was sadly suffering from his hangover (shame!). We arrived at the car park around 9am to the sound of both Bullfinch and Coal Tit calling deep within cover. Grabbing my birding gear, we made our way down the path overlooking the valley looking west, enjoying the amazing views this beautiful place  has to offer. From the gate, there was at least one Spotted Flycatcher seen distantly on a bush to the north and a few Chiffchaffs flitting around in the bushes. A Raven was heard ‘cronking’ to the south and eventually, we saw the bird flying north in front of us. It was just a shame my camera never focused properly on the bird for it would have made a superb photo.

Above, the commemorative bench dedicated to the late Dave Compton. A superb gesture to a lovely man. Below, one of many Chiffchaffs around the Hill today. Check out all those Elderberries.

There was a lot of dew on the ground, but a few butterflies were on the wing, notably, Gatekeeper, Meadow Brown and a few Common Blue’s, but both Large and Small White’s were literally everywhere; though I wasn't surprised with so much Marjoram plants about, a favourite food source for a lot of butterflies.

Above, this male Redstart was not going to play ball in getting a decent photo. Below, Marjoram was growing abundantly for the butterflies.

As we neared the bend to walk to the Fort, Andy spotted a Redstart flitting about the bushes and though my photo of the bird was not the best, it was our first Autumn bird of the year and our first since the birds we saw at Thursley Common earlier in the year. A few more Chiffchaffs were seen, but not a great deal else to be honest. There are now plenty of benches of which to rest on and one that is overlooking the Fort to the west is dedicated to the late Dave Compton who regularly looked after this place for many a year. We sat on the bench and brought back memories of the man while admiring the amazing view.

Above, a Speckled Wood was added to our growing collection of butterflies seen this morning. Below, a Chalkhill Blue butterfly feeding on the Marjoram.

From one of the benches, we saw a distant Common Buzzard flying away from us, a species one has to check now for Honey Buzzard, for they will be migrating now. Both House Martins and Swallows hawked insects over the trees and a large flock of Jackdaws were noted, climbing the thermals over the valley below then rising high and suddenly flying all back down to the trees below. The footpath leading to the Fort was fairly quiet and it wasn't really till we started walking the path around the Fort that the sightings came thick and fast.

Above, another Chalkhill Blue showing well on the footpath by the Fort. Below, a pair of Gatekeeper butterflies also enjoying the Marjoram.

While walking the path, Grasshopper nymphs were jumping away from our feet and both Adonis and Chalkhill Blue butterflies were seen in reasonable numbers along with Gatekeepers, Red Admiral, Meadow Browns and the occasional Small Heath. Best of all was our first Silver-spotted Skipper of the year, one of the speciality species on Old Winchester Hill. There was another Redstart spotted below the south side, close to the scrub to the north and showed very well for us. Another ‘Lazee Birder’ Graeme joined us along with his huge camera lens, with a pal of his and joined us in enjoying the Redstart. 

Above, an Adonis Blue butterfly on the footpath by the Fort. Below, when finally checking this photo, it turned out that this bird was a Whinchat.

Earlier, we spotted a possible Flycatcher well down in the valley below, but perched up high in a tree. Despite taking a few photos of the bird, it was difficult to ascertain what species it was and after checking the photos on my laptop tonight, it was actually a Whinchat! Thankfully, Andy spotted another a little while later and this bird showed very well until it flew off down the hill. At least two Yellowhammers were seen in the area, but our appetites were whetted when Graeme said earlier he had seen at least 4 Spotted Flycatchers, a Redstart, Firecrest and several Warbler species on the corner of the hill, looking down into a footpath heading north.

Above, a slightly better photo of the Redstart on the south slope. Below, our first Silver-spotted Skipper of the year.

We got to this spot and enjoyed both a Redstart and a Spotted Flycatcher performing nicely as I managed to grab a few photos. A Whitethroat and several Chiffchaffs were seen close to the footpath and the latter birds literally landed just a few feet away from us on the barbed wire fence then flew off low over our heads. Yes, they are common birds, but to see them so close is simply fantastic. There was also another surprise when we heard a Tawny Owl calling below somewhere deep within the conifers below us. They don't often call during the day, especially on how warm it was getting too, but it's always nice to hear the birds. Truth is, I could have stayed at this spot for the rest of the day, but I did promise my wife I would be home around midday and so we made our way back to the car.

Above, a Spotted Flycatcher perched just north-west of the Fort footpath. Below, a male Kestrel perched on the north side of the Fort.

Looking east from the Fort, we had sightings of a male Kestrel landing on a conifer and also a female Blackcap, our first and only one seen of the day (though we did hear quite a few). The footpath back adjacent to the fields produced a group of 3 Red Kites sailing low over the fields and was joined by a distant fourth bird. Another Spotted Flycatcher was seen perched in some dead trees on the way back, but again, no sign of any Pied Flycatchers here.

Above, one of four Red Kites were seen soaring low over the fields. Below, another Spotted Flycatcher seen on the footpath leading back to the car park.

Earlier today, one birder who was here around 8am this morning had a minimum of 15 Blackcaps, Tree Pipit, 14 Spotted Flycatchers, 6 Redstarts and a Pied Flycatcher! However, Graeme told me that he was here with his mate at 7.30am and saw next to nothing! Right place, right time perhaps?